3 Step Beginner's Guide To Choosing an LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants

Narrowing Down Your LED Grow Light Options in 9 Minutes

If you are new to the wonderful world of LED grow lights, you might be in a haze trying to figure out how to choose the most practical light for your grow. LED grow lighting is very different from a metal halide or a high-pressure sodium setup in that LED fixtures vary drastically in shape, spectrum, heat load, and power. But fear not, this article will assist your LED grow light search --- saving you time, money, and assuring you the highest quality crop.

2. What is the size of your grow space?

The size of your grow space will dictate the size and number of an LED units you purchase. A good rule-of-thumb for LED grow lights is 32 watts of actual wattage per square foot of growing space for flowering medical or other large flowering plants. For example, if you measured your growing space to be 16 square feet, you would want to purchase at least a 500-550 watt grow light (assuming the plants are congregated in a single area and you are flowering a plant that requires a lot of light. Vegetative growth for high-light plants need about half this wattage.).

Low light plants, such as herbs and lettuces require about 11-18 watts per square foot of grow space. However, this will vary with crop and preferred light levels. Use this chart to determine the correct amount of PPFD and DLI for leafy greens.

Below is a quick reference chart designed to help you determine the desired wattage based on your grow space. If you have a larger grow space, you can scale up from these numbers. Remember: 1 sq ft of grow space requires about 32 watts of actual wattage.

3. Types of LED grow lights

By now, you might have an idea of what brand of LED grow lights would be best for your crop and how many watts are required for your grow space. Now, you will discover the different LED unit options available to you.

The programmable lights are by far the most advanced LED grow lights that will make for an almost effortless grow. It is safe to say that the LED grow light industry is moving in the direction of fully automated panels.

In addition, there are different shaped LED grow lights available, including panels, bars, and bulbs. There are even LED tubes that will replace T5 or T8 fluorescent lights.

DIY kits have even recently become available for those who would like to assemble their own light.

Img: DIY LED Kit by Horticulture Lighting Group

Read the article below for a deeper look into what to look for in an LED grow light:

Putting it all together

Now that you have a brand, wattage requirements, and type of LED grow light in mind, you can start your LED grow light search. For questions about choosing your light, feel free to contact LED Grow Lights Depot.

Check out our LED grow light reviews under the resources section in the navigation bar.

13 comments

by A-banon April 28, 2019

Can someone tell me if 100 watt LED BULB with the 3 light settings, be enough for 3 plants? More specifically.. 3 10 day old babies.. I know I will have to get more down the line but for now will the 100 watt suffice? Inside a Mylar canopy I made. This is my first grow. Please help!!

by Sunnyon February 27, 2019

I am growing medical plants, I have 4 / 4x 8 trays, how many watts LED I will need ?

by Mark Bertramon August 12, 2018

I am using three 500 watt full spectrum LED panels and my buds are airy. I am going to increase to 2000 watts and add two red 630 nm panels for buds and flowers. I am only growing three plants in a 2′ × 4 ‘x 4’ closet right now. Plants thrive on light. You can put them too close, but you can never get enough light. Measure the sun at 1050 watts per square meter. That’s a lot of light!

by liza gomezon February 27, 2018

I just need more light to keep indoor tropical house plants happy and thriving. Can I use these grow lights in the ceiling ( overhead) lighting and still be effective?

by Frank Nittyon February 13, 2018

I’m starting out with a Rubbermaid tub and would like to know what wattage bulbs I need and how many do i need for 2-3 plants

by ADDYon January 22, 2018

I am making a terrarium that is 12" all around. At the bottom I have a few inches of water with a beta fish and some aquatic plants. At the top of my terrarium I have air plants and moss. What would be the right kind of lighting to buy for my terrarium?

by Tommyon January 11, 2018

Hello my question is i want to know what is the best between one 1200 watts LED or four 300 watts LED for a better light dispersion ?

by Jameson September 24, 2017

Using MEIZHI LED grow light now. All lights are full-cycle, dual-mode, high power draw and Par value! you can buy on ebay, amazon, and aliexpress lool.

by Peter kleinon February 06, 2017

I am starting tomatoes from seed and grow them up to 6 in zin height before they are planted outside. What led wattage is sufficient to grow 4 10.5 in x 21 in seed trays. Or you may simply give me a recommended red/blue led fixture or number of specific bulbs that would work. Thanks

by Catherine Starkon September 14, 2016

Thank you

by saifulon August 19, 2016

Is there enough red LEDs for flowering?

by Moseson January 12, 2016

What’s the difference with the growthstar scorpion led grow light and the mars or kindled?